Match container and dispenser



Sept. 16, 1941. w. COPELAND MATCH CONTAINER AND DISPENSER Filed May 2, 1939 .3 Sheets-Sheet l Inventor l h fCo e/a/rd A iiomeys L. W. COPELAND MATCH CONTAINER AND DISPENSER 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor Aitorn ys I Patented Sept. 16, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MATCH CONTAINER AND DISPENSER Luther W. Copeland, Como, Miss.

Application May 2, 1939, Serial No. 271,409

1 Claim.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements whereby matches are sold in boxes and wherein these boxes are constructed in such a manner that they can be hung up on a hanger and used as dispensers for the convenient dispensing of matches singly.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide means whereby matches can be dispensed conveniently from the original container in which they are sold.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a container-dispenser for matches which will not increase the cost of matches to the consumer.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the reader of the following specification.

In the drawings-- Figure 1 represents a front elevational view of the container before broken to be used as a dispenser.

Figure 2 is a rear elevational view.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view.

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view.

Figure 5 is a bottom plan view.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lower portion of the container broken for use.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the inclined member.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the striking strip.

Figure 9 is a plan view of the box blank.

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts, it can be seen in Figure 9 that the container is constructed from a single sheet '5 of cardboard or similar material, the sheet being bent on the lines 6 and 1 longitudinally of the sheet and on the lines 8, 9, I and II transversely of the sheet. The side edge portions of the sheet are further formed by slitting to form the top I2, the bottom I3, the upper flaps I4 and I and the bottom flaps I6 and IT, as well as the upper and lower flanges I8 and I9 of the back wall 20, and also the side flange 2I'.

Across the perforated line Ia from the front wall 20 through the flange I9 a circular line of perforations 22 is formed. In the forward edges of the flaps I6 and Il semi-circular shaped cut-out portions 23 are formed to register with the semicircular cut-out portion 24 in the forward edge portion of the bottom I3. Slits I9a extend inwardly from the lower edge of the wall 20, to define a flexible area 20a.

The top flap I2 is struck out with a V-tongue 25 and this is perforated as at 26. This defines a hanger flap 2! which can be disposed upwardly as shown in Figures 2 and 3 for hanging the container over a nail or the like 28.

It can now be seen that the flaps I I and I5 are adhered to the top I2 and the flange I8 of the front wall 20 is disposed over the top as shown in Figure 3, while the side flange 2I is also adhered in place. The matches are then placed in the container and the inclined bottom 29 provided with the triangular-shaped side walls 30 is then disposed into the bottom end of the container, after which the lower flaps I6 and I! are secured over the bottom I3 and the flange I9 then brought over the bottom to close the notches 2323 and 24.

The striking strip 3| is then secured across the front of the box adjacent the bottom as shown in Figures 1 and 6.

When it is desired to use the box as a dispenser, the flap I1 is struck upwardly and hung over a nail 28, and then the area 32 is pinched out and the flange I9 broken along loose the preforated line Ia. This leaves the flange I9 free to be flexed out when a match is gripped through the notch 24 and pulled outwardly as shown in Figure 3.

While the foregoing specification sets forth the invention in specific terms, it is to be understood that numerous changes in the shape, size and materials may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

A combination match container and dispenser comprising a box-like structure including a vertical front wall, said front wall being slit at its lower edge to separate the same from the bottom of the box-like structure and upwardly a substantial distance at its side edge portion to define an outwardly movable flap adjacent the bottom of the box-like structure, said flap being adapted to be flexed outwardly to release matches from the bottom of the box-like structure and a striker strip disposed across the front wall of the box-like structure and having end portions disposed in overlapping position and securedto the side walls of the box-like structure, said strip being adapted to reinforce the front wall just above the flap to prevent upward tearing f the flap.

LUTHER W. COPELAND. 

